Gang attack on pensioner

Robbers brandishing a screwdriver threatened an elderly couple in their Stafford home before stealing cash.

The 81-year-old man living at the house suffered minor injuries to his hand as he struggled with the raiders in an attempt to defend himself and his wife, aged 75. She was badly shaken up but unhurt in the ordeal.

Three men entered the house in Moss Pit through an unlocked back door at 9.45am on Saturday morning.

Staffordshire Police spokeswoman Emma Stanley said: "The men threatened the 81-year-old man with what is believed to be a screwdriver.

"During the incident the man sustained minor injuries to the hand caused by the instrument, and he was treated at Staffordshire General Hospital.

"The offenders then took the man's wallet and contents before running from the house.

"The man's 75-year-old wife was shaken but uninjured during the incident."

DC Sean Regan said: "It is believed the men were not wearing any coats and the two occupants reported that they were dry. Given the heavy rain at the time of the offence, we believe the men were probably in a vehicle that was nearby."

The three offenders were white and about 5ft 11in tall. One was about 20, had short fair hair, a fresh complexion and was wearing a brown fitted jersey-type top which had writing across the chest.

The second man was also about 20 and had darker hair. The third offender had spiky short hair and stubble.

DC Regan urged people to follow basic crime prevention advice, including keeping windows and doors secured, ensuring valuable items were not left in easy reach of an open window and always locking doors and closing windows when leaving the house.

"Don't leave spare keys outside or in a garage or shed and put them out of sight in the house. Never leave the house key near the door in an obvious place," he said.

"Use timers for lights and radios if you are away from home overnight, never leave a garage or shed unlocked, especially if it has a connecting door to the house, and lock tools and ladders away so thieves cannot use them to break in."

"A high wall or fence at the back of your property can also put off a burglar," he added.

Anyone with information about the robbery is urged to contact DC Regan on 08453 302010.